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Here are our top picks for Spring events and festivals in the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina - including Easter Weekend, Mother's Day Weekend, and Memorial Day Weekend. For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
March, April & May Events in Asheville & Western NC
Spring Events & Festivals: Top 40
Check out our calendar of the best festival and events in Asheville and western North Carolina in March, April, and May.
Spring at Biltmore
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Grandfather Mountain
Treat an animal lover to an up-close experience with Grandfather Mountain's resident animals. Hosted by experienced keepers, these tours show where animals sleep overnight and reveal what it takes… More Information
FAB Fest, Spring Dates
FAB Fridays run from April-October, featuring the best in local Food, Arts, and Brews (FAB) on Central Street in Downtown Rutherfordton. Come out for live music, a variety of food trucks, beer,… More Information
Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution
See historic objects and contemporary Cherokee art. This exhibit explores how Cherokee people navigated the American Revolution. On display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. Open… More Information
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Montford Park Players - Asheville
North Carolina's longest-running Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 2026 season with a beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz, at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, and…
Luminere Immersive Nightscapes at Biltmore
Experience Biltmore after dark with illuminated displays across the house and gardens. Arrive before sunset to enjoy picnic dinners and beverages, then watch as projected light and sound transform… More Information
Drum Circle
Hear and feel the beat at the weekly drum circle every Friday night in downtown Asheville in Pritchard Park from April-October. And dance the night away!
Brews & Bears Season Kickoff
The 10th anniversary season of this fun after-hours mini-festival series opens with craft beer, food trucks, live music, and animal programs. Meet resident black bears Uno and Ursa. See their…
Mother's Day Tea Party
Celebrate Mom with an elegant afternoon featuring live local music, delectable hors d'oeuvres, and activities at one of American's most iconic venues. Parking and accommodations not included.… More Information
Fiber Day at the Folk Art Center
The Southern Highland Craft Guild's beloved 30-year tradition returns with a full day celebrating fiber arts. Felting, quilting, weaving, knitting, spinning, and more. Bring your own handwork… More Information
Lake Lure Spring Arts Festival
See and buy craft and art by 90+ artists from many different disciplines. Also enjoy entertainment, food vendors and the beauty of the lake. Free admission. Be sure to following driving directions… More Information
Paint With a Bear at Grandfather Mountain
Watch a resident bear create a one-of-a-kind painting by walking through nontoxic paint and onto paper—one for each participant to take home as a keepsake. This playful experience is available… More Information
Spring & Summer Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC, hosts dozens of fine art and handcraft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry,…
21st Annual Saluda Arts Festival
Eighty-plus juried artists fill several blocks of historic Main Street with 100% handcrafted work across every price range. Shop paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, and more. Live… More Information
Concerts in the Park Series, Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock's beloved annual outdoor concert series returns to the Rotary Gazebo in Memorial Park with five free Sunday performances spanning May through September. Family-friendly and casual… More Information
Concerts on the Creek, Sylva
Enjoy free outside live music in downtown Sylva every Friday from 7-9 PM starting Memorial Day through Labor Day at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants, and breweries…
Groovin on the Green
Groovin’ on The Green are free concerts held rain for shine. They begin at 6:00 pm and last until 8:30 pm. Bring your own law chairs and blankets to The Village Green Common’s Lawn. This is a kid… More Information
Concerts on the Creek, Sylva
Enjoy free outside live music in downtown Sylva every Friday from 7-9 PM starting Memorial Day through Labor Day at Bridge Park, two blocks from Main Street with shops, restaurants, and breweries…
GRINDFest AVL
This free annual festival celebrates black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville. Usually held over Memorial Day Weekend, it includes music, live performances, talks, workshops, food, local… More Information
White Squirrel Weekend
Go nuts at this three-day downtown Brevard festival featuring a parade, plenty of live music, food, arts, and much more on Memorial Day Weekend.
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Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts
See 100+ regional, local and national artists and craft artisans with fine jewelry, a big variety of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.… More Information
Art on the Greene, Memorial Day Weekend
Banner Elk is home to this festival series. Find a big variety of artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more. Many other things to do nearby. 10 AM-5 PM. Free… More Information
Memorial Day Weekend
Find festivals, events, and our top things to do to kick off summer during the holiday weekend in Asheville and the NC mountains.
Rhododendron Ramble
Join short, guided strolls highlighting Grandfather Mountain's rhododendron species and their ecological roles daily from May 23-31, 2026. These easy, 30-minute daily walks start at 1 PM by the… More Information
Memorial Day Concert and Ceremony
Held on the Roger McGuire Green Stage of Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville starting at 2:30 PM with the Army National Guard's Army Band performing a half-hour before and after the ceremony.…
Cold Mountain Music Festival
Outdoor festival with plenty of live music, food trucks, beer & wine, and more at Lake Logan in Pisgah National Forest south of Waynesville, about 30 miles from Asheville. Day passes from $40/… More Information
WNC Whiskey Festival
Sample whiskey expressions from around the world at the WNC Whiskey Festival at the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center in Asheville. Enjoy guided tastings, brand representatives, and… More Information
Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show
This Blue Ridge celebration brings together local artisans showcasing pottery, textiles, woodwork, paintings, and fine jewelry alongside live regional music and family-friendly activities. Kids… More Information
Past Events
Asheville BuskerFest
Celebrate street performing culture at the inaugural Asheville BuskerFest, a free LEAF Global Arts benefit spread across multiple downtown stages including Pack Square, Pritchard Park, and the… More Information
Lake Lure Parrots & Pirates Music Festival
Hoist the sails for two days of Trop Rock on the beach, benefiting Foundation4LL/CR and Feed the Children. Friday (5-9 pm): Italian dinner and IT's Five O'Clock Somewhere Band. Saturday (11:30 am-… More Information
CODA Music Festival
The 2026 CODA Concert Featuring Chris Fraser and the B-Sides will be held at Gaither Hall at Montreat College in Montreat, NC. Ticket prices start at $16.30.
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Airing of the Quilts at the Appalachian Women's Museum
Airing the quilts is a mountain tradition. At this one-of-its-kind museum, quilters and collectors hang family quilts in the spring sunshine at this annual mini-craft festival. Enjoy displays, a…
Dining Out for Life
The Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) will hold its 24th annual Dining Out For Life event on April 30. Dine at a participating restaurant and support WNCAP's HIV care and prevention… More Information
Star Party at Mayland Earth to Sky Park
Explore the cosmos at this International Dark Sky Park. View planets, moon, and stars through the 34-inch Sam Scope and 14-inch planetary telescope with observatory staff for free! Visit the Moon… More Information
Grandfather Mountain "Sounds of Nature" Kids Music Day
Families can groove to nature-themed music at this interactive concert in Grandfather Mountain's Williams Outdoor Learning Space. Enjoy lively performances, eco-themed songs, and hands-on… More Information
11th Annual Get in Gear Fest
Free, family-friendly event showcasing the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East! Spend the afternoon at New Belgium Brewing's Liquid Center connecting with local outdoor… More Information
Fire On the Mountain
Come to downtown Spruce Pine to see and buy works from Penland School and nationally-renowned blacksmiths demonstrating their skills. Iron & metal art exhibit, tool and gear vendors, forge-off…
Mountain Science Expo
The NC Arboretum hosts the 2026 Mountain Science Expo! This free STEM-oriented science festival invites the public to interact with scientists and explore nature. Geared for kids but appropriate… More Information
See our main Events Page for a list of all of our calendars!
